Is Pea Milk Good for You? Nutrition, Advantages, Applications, and Drawbacks

The dairy industry has been around for centuries. Still, as more people look for healthier and more sustainable alternatives to traditional cow's milk, the market for plant-based dairy has skyrocketed in recent years.

One of the most popular plant-based milk is pea milk, and it's turning heads because of its surprisingly nutritious content. But is pea milk perfect for you?

This blog post will explore pea milk's nutrition, advantages, applications, and drawbacks. We'll discuss how it compares to cow's milk in terms of food and how it can be used in various recipes. By the end of this article, you'll know if pea milk suits you!

What is Pea Milk?

Pea milk is a type of plant-based milk that is made from yellow peas. It is a relatively new product on the market and is less widely available than other plant-based milk, such as soy or almond milk. Pea milk has a creamy texture and a nutty flavor.

Pea milk contains more protein than soy and almond milk, making it a good choice for those looking for a dairy-free alternative high in protein. Pea milk is also lower in calories than soy milk and almond milk.

Pea milk can be used in the same way as other plant-based milk. It can be used in coffee, smoothies, baking, or enjoyed independently. Pea milk does not curdle when heated, making it a good choice for cooking and baking.

While pea milk does have some nutritional advantages over other plant-based milk, it also has some drawbacks. Pea milk is one of the most expensive plant-based milk on the market. Additionally, cow's and pea milk do not contain calcium or vitamin D.

Nutritional Value of Pea Milk

Though pea milk contains many of the same nutrients as cow's milk, it does have some notable differences. For one, pea milk is naturally low in calories and fat. A cup of unsweetened pea milk has only 70 calories and 2 grams of fat, compared to whole cow's milk, which has 146 calories and 8 grams of fat.

Pea milk is also a good source of protein, with 8 grams per cup. That's more than almond milk (1 gram) and soy milk (6 grams) but less than cow's milk (8 grams).

It's worth noting that the protein in pea milk is less complete than the protein in cow's milk. It doesn't contain all the essential amino acids your body needs to function correctly.

Regarding other nutrients, pea milk is a good source of calcium, with 300 mg per cup. It also contains vitamins A and D at lower levels than cow's milk. Pea milk does have one advantage over other plant-based kinds of milk: it doesn't need to be fortified with vitamin B12, which is found naturally in peas.

Advantages of Pea Milk

There are many advantages of pea milk over cow's milk, including the fact that it is:

• lactose-free
• high in protein
• low in fat
• high in calcium and other nutrients
• gentle on the digestive system
• suitable for those with allergies or intolerances to dairy products.

Disadvantages of Pea Milk

While pea milk does have some nutritional advantages over other types of milk, there are also some disadvantages to consider. The requirement for extra protein is among the most critical negatives.

Pea milk only has about 2 grams of protein per cup, while cow's milk has 8 grams and soy milk has 7 grams. Pea milk doesn't contain any saturated fat, but it has more sugar than other types of milk.

Another disadvantage of pea milk is that it can be challenging to find in stores. It still needs to be carried by all major retailers, so you may have to go to a specialty store or order it online. And because it's a relatively new product, the price can be higher than other types of milk – although this is likely to change as pea milk becomes more popular.

So, if you're considering switching to pea milk, be sure to take these disadvantages into account. While it does have some benefits, there may be better choices for some.

Applications of Pea Milk

Many people are curious about pea milk and its potential benefits. While pea milk is a relatively new addition to the dairy aisle, it does have some impressive nutrition credentials. Pea milk is a good source of protein, calcium, and Vitamin D, and it's also low in saturated fat and calories. Plus, it's vegan and lactose-free.

What dietary modifications can you make to include pea milk? Here are some concepts.:

• Use it as a base for smoothies or milkshakes.
• Add it to cereal or oatmeal.
• Use it in baking recipes (muffins, cakes, cookies, etc.).
• Make homemade creamy soups or sauces.
• Drink it straight up! Add a little flavor with some chocolate syrup or fruit juice.

Drawbacks of Pea Milk

Pea milk offers some advantages in terms of health, but it also has some disadvantages. One of the biggest problems is pea milk's high salt content.

A single cup of pea milk can contain up to 400mg of sodium, which is more than double the recommended daily intake for adults. This can cause problems for those trying to lower their sodium intake for health reasons.

Another drawback of pea milk is that it is relatively high in calories. A cup of pea milk contains about 120 calories, more than double the calories in a cup of skim milk. For those watching their weight or trying to cut down on calories, this may not be the best choice.

Finally, pea milk contains less calcium than cow's milk. While it does have some calcium, it is less than what you would get from cow's milk. Those who consume pea milk may need supplemental calcium to meet their needs.

Conclusion

All in all, pea milk can be a great alternative to traditional dairy products. It is packed with protein and other essential nutrients and has the added benefit of being vegan. However, there are some drawbacks to consider as well.

Pea milk might have a slightly higher environmental impact than cow's milk, and its texture may be better for those looking for something creamier or thicker. It would help if you determined whether this plant-based beverage meets your dietary preferences.